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NL Blogs from Tunisia 2: Protesting in Tunisia
FMS researcher Anne is in Tunisia to talk about migration. Why do people want to migrate? How do they see their future? And how can irregular migration be prevented? Read her newest story here!
Finally a new government in Lebanon
After a nine-month deadlock it was announced on January 31 by Prime Minister Saad Hariri that Lebanon formed a new government. Hariri has been negotiating with Lebanon's rival parties since the parliamentary elections last May. The political system that is based on a power-sharing agreement between religious groups lies at the heart of this long process. The main obstacles concerned the Iran-backed Hezbollah group gaining ground in the government and therefore appointing key ministries which would enlarge their sphere of influence.
Blogs from Tunisia 1: On my way to... Tunisia
After spending four weeks in Accra, Ghana, it's time for my next field trip. I'm going to Tunisia! Will there be a big difference with Ghana when discussing migration? Or do both countries have a relatively similar perspectives on migration? This, I want to find out in the coming month.
Tunisia awaits turbulent election year
With a year to go before the parliamentary elections, the political scene in Tunisia is already changing considerably. While the seculars still managed to unite in 2014, the Nidaa Tounes party is falling apart bit by bit in the run-up to the elections. The prime minister is changing ministers without the consent of his own party and already a number of parliamentarians decide to switch to another group. Meanwhile, the largest trade union further strains relations with a mass protest against the government's economic policies.
Refugees in Lebanon: despair or perspective?
Last week, on September 6, Clingendael organised the debate "Refugees in Lebanon: despair or perspective?" at Humanity House in the Hague, to present and discuss their recently published report on the issue of refugee protection in Lebanon. Relevant as the topic is, a small FMS delegation also attended this event. After a short introduction by the Institute's general director Monika Sie, moderator Saskia Baas, head of the Durable Solutions Platform in Amman, introduced the two authors of the report, Clingendael senior research fellow Ana Uzelac and research fellow Jos Meester. What followed was a discussion of the report by its authors and the moderator.
Majority for Hezbollah and allies in new Lebanese parliament
Lebanese had to wait almost nine years for it, but this month they were finally allowed to go to the polls to elect a new parliament. Years of struggle, a presidential vacuum, a new electoral law and the prime minister's announced-but-not-executed departure preceded it. The outcome seemed certain, but still delivers some big surprises. Hezbollah and allies win the majority and Prime Minister Hariri's Future Movement (FM) takes a big hit: from 26 to 19 seats. All parties want a cabinet to be formed soon to tackle the sky-high public debt and boost the economy, but at the same time one blockade after another is being put up. The winners smell their opportunity to bring in more ministries.
The status of Jerusalem: a historical perspective
The status of Jerusalem is one of the most contentious issues in international relations. Different political and legal definitions make pronouncements on sovereignty over Jerusalem difficult. US President Donald Trump's decision has therefore not improved the situation, according to many analysts. The announcement that the US embassy is moving from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, with Washington officially recognising Jerusalem as the Israeli capital, caused a stir. Israel seems pleased, the Palestinians are furious and the international community is upset. But how much weight does this decision carry? Most events do not take place in a vacuum. They fit into a historical process. What about this for the recognition of Jerusalem?
Presidential elections put further pressure on human rights Egypt
"Combating terrorism is a human right, a new right that I am adding to human rights in Egypt." With these words, President Sisi of Egypt defends his repressive policies. In the run-up to the presidential elections, the situation is deteriorating by the day. Political activists are threatened, tried and imprisoned. Many of them face years in prison or even the death penalty. Sisi is pursuing this offensive policy to, he says, arm the country against terrorism. The price paid for this is high, too high. Freedom of expression, association and information are curtailed time and again, and any opposition is crushed.
Moroccan Unified Socialist Party holds first party congress in seven years
Sunny Rabat and Bouznika were the setting for the fourth party congress of the Unified Socialist Party (Parti Socialiste Unifié, PSU) from 19 to 21 January. An important congress, as it voted on the party's direction and the leadership of Nabila Mounib, the only female party leader in the Arab world. The Max van der Stoel Foundation has been organising training courses for activists and politicians of this leftist and progressive Moroccan party for just under a decade.
